National Sport News

Davies closing in on comeback

Jonathan Davies remains on course to play a part in Wales' RBS 6 Nations campaign as he continues his fightback from injury.

The British and Irish Lions centre has had just 40 minutes of rugby since he damaged a pectoral muscle during Wales' home defeat against South Africa last November.

Wales have also lost Davies' Scarlets centre partner Scott Williams (shoulder injury) from their Six Nations plans, and wing George North was moved into midfield for last Friday's title-reviving 27-6 victory over France.

England are next up for the reigning Six Nations champions at Twickenham on March 9, and Davies hopes to be in contention.

"His fitness is excellent, and he has been working incredibly hard with the conditioners," Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards said.

"He just needs to work on his match fitness a bit and gain some confidence.

"It is that type of injury where he can have the confidence to put his shoulder into a tackle.

"But it would not surprise me if he got some game-time this weekend (for Scarlets)."

Lock Alun-Wyn Jones, meanwhile, has trained with Wales this week after missing the French clash due to a foot infection.

Triple Crown-chasing England have also had an injury issue in the wake of last Saturday's impressive victory over Ireland, with number eight Billy Vunipola ruled out of the tournament remainder due to an ankle injury.

Vunipola is now set to be replaced by Gloucester's former Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan against Wales.

"Ben Morgan is a very similar player to Billy, and they are almost changing like for like," Edwards added.

"Ben is a bit taller and probably more of an open-field runner, but both of them are difficult to tackle.

"The last time we played England at Twickenham, he (Morgan) along with Manu Tuilagi, were the two players who broke our tackles.

"So we will practice diligently to try and stop Ben, particularly from kick returns, where he is very good."

England's 13-10 triumph against Ireland gained rave reviews in many quarters, while they have an added incentive in 12 days' time of trying to avenge last season's 30-3 Millennium Stadium drubbing at Wales' hands.

"They played very well against Ireland, and I thought they were very resilient," Edwards said.

"England defended resolutely, and there was a bit of magic from the Quins (Harlequins) trio of Chris Robshaw, Danny Care and Mike Brown, who I have a great respect for and will have to watch.

"Each game is a different challenge, but you always need a strong defence at Twickenham.

"You can't really go to England and think you can score 25 or 30 points. When you get chances you need to take them, because at Twickenham you won't get a lot.

"The last time we went there in 2012 it was a tight game which was decided by Scott Williams' turnover play.

"We are aware of the need for good discipline. It was a lot better on Friday against France, and that was one of the reasons we won the game."